Iconic director John Singleton dies at the age of 51 after being taken off life support, his family said in a statement. One of his last projects was the FX's drama series Snowfall, which he directed, executive produced, and co-created. Now, cast and crew members said they will continue filming Snowfall season 3 despite his death to honor his memory.
The news about Singleton's death came just a few days after he had been hospitalized following complications of a stroke. According to a report from Deadline, the cast members were in the process of doing some emotional work on Snowfall season 3 when they learned the news about Singleton's death, and they were in the midst of an emotional and somber scene.
Executive producer Trevor Engelson said the filming of Snowfall season 3 will continue to honor Singleton's memory. He said everyone was sad upon hearing the news, but they need to move forward because that's what the late director would have wanted. He added that the actors felt they were hearing Singleton saying: "Use that real-life emotion in your performance."
Engleson further said Singleton was a hands-on executive producer. He's basically everywhere, on the writer's room, or on set, and noted the late director "put his stamp on everything." In fact, Singleton directed every Snowfall season finale. He was supposedly scheduled to direct finale of Snowfall season 3, but he stepped back after an Emmett Till movie - starring Taraji P. Henson and produced by Steven Spielberg - came together.
Singleton suggested Sunu Gonera to direct the finale of Snowfall season 3. Then, the schedule of the movie has been changed to work more on the budget, but instead of reclaiming his role, the late director wanted Gonera to get his shot and continue directing the last episode of the third installment.
Snowfall season 3 will reportedly remain on track for a summer release. The series is about the 1980s crack epidemic in Los Angeles and it follows the story of different characters on a violent collision course. Everyone in the series is working towards his or her goal of power, money, as well as influence in LA in 1984.
Aside from Snowfall, Singleton also directed iconic movies such as Boyz n the Hood (1991), and Poetic Justice (1993). He also had some notable ties within the TV world, where he already served as a director on series such as Empire and Billionaire.
Meanwhile, the family statement issued also thanked Singleton's friends, colleagues, fans, and hospital staff for their support. It also confirmed that the details regarding the late director's memorial service will be announced in due course.
